Chapter 188 Is It Uncomfortable Here
"One lifetime is enough. I don't want to be with you for multiple lifetimes."
Quinley teased.
But Zachary took it seriously. He immediately snatched the marriage certificate from her hands. "No way. I do want that, and now you can't take it back. From this moment on, you're never escaping from me again."
As he spoke, he closed one hand into a tight fist.
Quinley laughed, her eyes crinkling.
"Fine. I won't run."
It was only in that instant, holding the certificate, that Quinley realized making the decision hadn't been so painful after all.
On the drive back, they held hands with fingers intertwined, like two silly children, chatting about the simplest things.
Eventually, Zachary asked seriously, "What kind of wedding do you want? I want to give you the most romantic memory and make you the most beautiful bride in the world."
But he'd forgotten—Quinley had trauma associated with weddings.
Her wedding with David had been a performance for everyone else, but she'd nearly died because of it. And she'd lost the child she shared with Zachary.
Thinking of that baby who never got to be born, Quinley's mood suddenly plummeted.
"I don't want a wedding."
Her words were like cold water dumped over Zachary's head.
He was taken aback. "Why not?"
Quinley hung her head and wouldn't say. Zachary quickly realized what she meant.
He pulled her against his shoulder and said gently, "The past is behind us. Don't think about it anymore. From now on, we're going to build our own happiness together. Quinny, I'll spend my whole life making you happy."
He wasn't good with sweet words, but for Quinley, he was trying to learn.
"Okay."
"I want to announce our marriage to the media soon. And I want to make your identity public. Don't be afraid—I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."
Announcing their marriage was inevitable.
As president of Apex Global Group, Zachary's private life had always been under scrutiny. Making it public was a sign of respect for Quinley and protection for their marriage.
Quinley understood the reasoning.
"You decide."
This time, she wanted to be brave.
The day after they registered, Zachary announced their marriage.
Just as Quinley expected, the announcement caused a massive stir.
The biggest point of interest was Quinley's identity.
She came from an ordinary background. Just because she'd been Zachary's secretary, she'd suddenly transformed into the First Lady of Apex Global Group.
What Quinley had worried about most was that someone would make an issue of her coming back from the dead.
But surprisingly, there wasn't a single related post to be found.
She'd returned to her former identity, her former appearance, yet Quinley felt she could never truly go back to who she'd been.
She was still Quinley, but she also wasn't Quinley anymore.
The feeling was strange—impossible to articulate.
That day, Quinley had just arrived at the hospital when she unexpectedly ran into David.
His hands were tucked into the pockets of his white coat, that familiar wicked smile playing at his lips.
"Quinny, long time no see!"
He approached and reached out to drape his arm over her shoulder.
She stepped back to avoid him.
David chuckled and shrugged.
"So formal with me? You haven't forgotten about our agreement, have you? Since you're not dead, our deal still stands. We didn't get to have our wedding, but no matter—I'll arrange it soon. You'd better not miss it!"
"Sorry, Mr. Brown. I'm already married. The legally binding kind. So our agreement is void."
Quinley raised her hand, showing off the enormous diamond ring.
She was calm and composed.
But David's eyes flashed with resentment.
"You're really going to marry him? What's so great about him? You haven't forgotten how he treated you before, have you? Quinny, marry me. I promise I'll make you the happiest woman in Rosewood City."
Quinley smiled.
She was immune to David's effortless sweet talk.
"Mr. Brown, thank you for your kind offer. But I love him, and I want to spend my life with him. Of course, you're wonderful too. I'm sure you'll meet someone worth cherishing for a lifetime."
Quinley was neither humble nor arrogant, but David refused to accept it.
"You'll regret this someday. You'll pay for today's impulsiveness."
He backed away step by step, as if making some kind of prophecy.
Quinley just watched him, the distance between them growing wider and wider.
Whether her marriage to Zachary was impulsive or rationally considered, she didn't want to overthink it.
She'd simply chosen him and was determined to move forward.
Once David left, Quinley got into the elevator.
She sent Zachary a message.
[I'll be there soon. Brought you the fried chicken you wanted.]
The message went through, but Zachary didn't reply.
Quinley went upstairs and headed toward his room, carrying the food.
But just as she reached the door, she heard voices inside.
Suspicious, she moved closer and looked in. What she saw made her freeze—a woman who looked exactly like her was in the room.
The woman was draped over the bed like a snake, her arms wrapped tightly around Zachary.
"I love you so much. How can you say you don't love me? Even if you don't love me, it doesn't matter. I love you, and I'll find a way to make you love me..."
Quinley stood rooted to the spot.
The scene inside was absolutely revolting, and the words even more shocking.
Who was this person? She had no idea.
In that instant, Susan's shadow flashed through her mind.
Was this yet another replacement?
"I've done so much for you. I've become what you wanted. Doesn't that move you at all?"
Inside, Zachary was pinned beneath the woman. Whether he was moved or not, Quinley couldn't tell, but she could clearly see he didn't dare move.
"Get off me," he barked.
"Nope! I'm not getting off. Are you afraid she'll see? I want her to see."
The woman was trying to provoke Quinley, but Quinley had no intention of playing along.
She set the food down outside the door and walked away.
Zachary's problems were his to solve. She wasn't getting involved.
---
Inside the room, Alicia clung to Zachary like a demon from some mythical cave.
Zachary was frantic. Last night he'd playfully begged Quinley for fried chicken, and she'd gotten up early to stand in line for it. He didn't want her to see this and misunderstand.
"Alicia, are you ever going to stop?"
He tried to push her off. Alicia simply clung tighter.
"Never. I'm never stopping. I'm latching onto you for life. You can't shake me off."
He couldn't push her away, and his frustration was boiling over.
"I'm already married. Stop deluding yourself. If you keep this up, I'm calling the police."
"Go ahead and call them. I'd love to see what the police have to say."
Alicia looked absolutely determined.
Zachary reached for his phone. Alicia deliberately knocked it to the floor. He tried to grab it but couldn't reach.
In desperation, he pressed the call button at the head of the bed.
Soon, a nurse came in.
But the moment the door opened and she saw the awkward scene, she froze.
"I'm so sorry..."
The nurse quickly shut the door and started to leave.
"Come back here!" Zachary shouted, but the nurse fled quickly.
Seeing this, Alicia laughed. She looked completely possessed.
"Zach, I suggest you just give in."
"Get off first. I'm uncomfortable like this."
He frowned, feigning discomfort. He'd decided to take an indirect approach.
But Alicia wasn't naive.
She hooked one hand around Zachary's neck while the other slid down his chest, finally landing on his belt buckle.
She flicked it lightly with her fingertip.
"Does it hurt here? Or here?"
As she spoke, she grabbed the zipper of his trousers and slowly began pulling it down.
"Don't worry. I know how to make you feel better."